A private jet carrying eight people has crashed while taking off from Bangor International Airport in Maine, according to reports from aviation authorities.
The Bombardier Challenger 600 went down around 19:45 local time (00:45 GMT on Monday). The fate and identities of those on board remain unclear as emergency services respond to the scene.
The crash occurred during a dangerous winter storm that has claimed several lives in the U.S. and left hundreds of thousands without power. Pilots were experiencing difficulties with visibility at the airport prior to the incident.
Bangor is currently under a winter storm warning, with heavy snow predicted to continue through Tuesday. Emergency crews have urged the public to avoid the area as they respond to the situation.
Audio recordings from air traffic control indicated conversations regarding poor visibility just minutes before the crash involving a passenger aircraft reported to be upside down. Images from the scene revealed smoke and flames on the runway.
This crash occurred amidst widespread travel disruptions due to the winter storm, which resulted in more than 11,000 flight cancellations and nearly 5,500 delays across the U.S. on Sunday, affecting major airports in Philadelphia, Washington DC, Baltimore, and more.
The National Weather Service forecasts between 10 and 16 inches (25-40cm) of snow accumulation in various parts of Maine, including Bangor, by Tuesday morning.
